Page:This side the trenches, with the American Red cross (IA thissidetrenches00desc).pdf/56

 When the sons or the younger brothers of the men in the service, being no different from other boys, get into trouble by knocking baseballs through neighbors' windows or by exerting their energy in some way that results in a violation of the law, the Red Cross worker finds herself taking an interest in the operation of the court. And because of this interest, the local magistrate or justice of the peace cannot help but be influenced to be considerate and thoughtful in his work so that here again all children are benefited by reason of the activity of the Red Cross. Similarly, it is not unlikely that during or after the war many towns will develop additional playgrounds because the Home Service workers have found through their acquaintance with the children of soldiers and sailors that more playgrounds are needed.

There are in every city things of this sort which are everybody's business. Home Service, however, touches the lives of so many people in so many different ways that there is scarcely any part of the life of the town with which the Red Cross workers do not become acquainted.

Is the Board of Health capable? After the Home Service Section has arranged for the treatment of sickness in the families of soldiers and sailors it begins to feel able to answer this question. There are scores of similar questions with which the Red Cross workers as a result of their experience in helping the households of the men in the army and navy soon find themselves to be asking.

Does the town protect its milk and water supply? Is there any system of inspection for this purpose and